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#1 Re: Interplanetary transportation » Quantum Nucleonic Reactor - Hafnium Powered Reactor » 2004-04-23 20:08:28

Dear Forum Members:  I am a long time reader of these forums, but I have decided to try to post for the first time.  This is a group that has the technical competence I lack. 

I just read an article in Popular Science or possibly Popular Mechanics about a nuclear airplane that is supposed to be powered by the metal Hafnium.  Apparently, hafnium generates a great deal of energy when exposed to X rays.

I would like to hear some conjecture and speculation about whether or not this DARPA financed aircraft engine could be used in space and what the likely ISP would be for it, if anyone is familiar with the same article I read.

Thank you. big_smile

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